STATE GOVERNORS

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 94, 14 January 1921, Page 5

STATE GOVERNORS

INFLUENCE AND WORK NOT LESSENED VIEWS OF LORD MILNER By Telegraph—Press Association-Copyright. London, January 12. Speaking at a luncheon to the Bari of Stradbroke prior to his departure to' take the Governorship of Victoria, Viscount Milner, who presided, said he had sometimes heard it said that the position of Governor was of less importance them in the old days. He personally believed it was generally recognised that a Governor’s position was no whit less import, ant and influential than hitherto; that, on the contrary, in the great democratic States there was increasing work for the Governors to do outside executive work and party politics. There had teen discussions in late days whether the Governor of a State should be sent from England. It had to some exteut fallen to him to decide the matter; yet it was a case for Australians themselves to decide, and the moment they made up their minds that they desired to change the system nobody was going to make the slightest effort to force upon them a Governor from Home. But as Ipng as they desired them it was Britain’s duty to find the 'best available men. It was not an easy job to satisfy their needs. These great and growing communities demanded men of high position, character, and ability, and the supply of such men was not unlimited among those who were willing to go. It was not every man who regarded it as an entirely attractive proposition to sever Iris ties in Britain for five years and go to a new land, to new and unknown duties, often at a great personal sacrifice and sondetimes at a pecuniary sacrifice. It was a matter of great satisfaction that those instrumental had secured a man of Stradbroke’s qualities and abilities. He knew he would receive a cordial welcome in Victoria through his character as a, gentleman and a sportsman who had given years of public service and usefulnei,ord Stradbroke, in reply, said he regretted that Lord Milner was soon to re-, linquish his high post. He was pleased that he was going to a State like 3 Ictoria, which was developing rapidly. Ho knew from his experience in Egypt and Persia how much could ba done by irrigation. Not only was Victoria going ahead in agriculture, but it was making keen efforts to develop its coal measures. Victoria’s financial position was also sound, and it was evidently a fact th athe Government did not intend to increase taxation. He believed that when he came to give up his duties he woul find the time had been all too short for what he hoped to do. „ Sir Arthur Stanley (late Governor ot Victoria), proposing the chairmans health, said it would be well for both England find the Dominions to have a separate Ministry to deal with the Dominions under a Minister whose time would not be distracted by niggling matters connected with the Crown colonies. He hoped Lord Milner might become Minister for the Dominions He would carry to that office, which was still on the knees of the gods, a capacity which would meet with the approval oi the people of the Dominions _ Lord Milner, in reply, said his «Pe«cnee as colonial Governor had helped him greatly during his term at the Colonial Office. This might be his last opportunity of speaking at a representative Dominions gathering. He had always met with the greatest kindness, sympathy, and co-operation from Dorninion. Ministers, officials, and journalists. Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.. r